December 31, 2024 • 28 mins
On this New Year's Eve edition of the podcast, hear from HC Kevin Stefanski, WR Jerry Jeudy, and S Rodney McLeod.
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome to this New Year's Eve edition of From the Podium.
I'm Gabe Klea the Browns. We're back in Berea today
for what would be a typical Wednesday, as they'll play
the Baltimore Ravens this coming Saturday. On today's episode, you'll
hear from head coach Kevin Stefanski, wide receiver Jerry Judy,
and safety Rodney McLeod. We'll kick off the day with
head coach Kevin Stefanski, who gave an injury update following
(00:27):
the Browns Week seventeen game against the Dolphins.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Short week, gotta get ready to roll here, so this
will really be our Wednesday for the football team, so
our really first day of preparation towards Baltimore. We'll have
a walk through today and then kick it back up
Thursday for tomorrow, which will be our Thursday for a practice,
so starting the work week division opponent, and then just
(00:51):
make sure we have a really good week of prep.
Get to know these guys again, haven't faced them since October,
so just going back to school on them now.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
But with that, I'll take any questions.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Yeah, Kevin, just wondering who will start a quarterback for you?
On Saturday.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Yeah, I'm gonna work through that this week. Mary kay.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
You know, there's certainly a chance that I could play
Bailey and Dorian in this game. Jamis is still working
through that shoulder injury, so I envisioned him being the
emergency quarterback in this game, and then there's potential to
play both guys.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Okay, And would you think maybe Bailey might start it
and then Dorian could be available or how would you go?
Speaker 3 (01:36):
We're gonna let the get through the week to make
that determination.
Speaker 5 (01:39):
Hey, Kevin, I guess why would you want to see
potentially both guys playing that finale?
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (01:45):
I think we're just gonna work through the week to
make that final determination, Scott. But ultimately, you know, Bailey
has been a guy that got here. Haven't seen him
in a game just yet. Dorian is a young player
who's using all these reps to get better. So there's
a scenario where we do that, but I want to
make sure we get through the week before making a
final determination.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
And then we saw the news that said goat put
on I R And I know concussions are all different,
but like, is there a long term concern here? He
expected to be fine? You know going forward.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Yeah, you're right, Scott, These they're all different. You just
have to treat any injury with with the symptoms and
those type of things, and certainly we'll do that and
follow the protocols with concussions of course, but you know,
I'm confident that said, well, we'll be ready to roll.
Speaker 6 (02:30):
Two questions, Did I miss something on Jerome Ford? Do
you have an update on him?
Speaker 2 (02:35):
You didn't miss anything, Jeff, No update just yet. You know,
with this being Tuesday on the calendar, obviously we're going
to work through a lot of injuries throughout this week
and I put Jerome certainly in that group that we'll
see how he progresses based on how he feels.
Speaker 6 (02:54):
And then can you give you your assessment on the
way Dorian has played in these games?
Speaker 3 (03:01):
Yeah, I think so much.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
For me is as a team we have come up short,
and certainly there's things that I know I can do better,
we as a team can do better. Obviously, it's always
going to start with taking care of the football. Set's
something that we'll look to do a better job of
this week.
Speaker 7 (03:19):
Hey, Kevin, I know after the game it sounded like
Pierre had a head injury or was being evaluated, for one,
is he in the protocol? Officially he is? So with
John Kelly coming back, I mean obviously you guys have
some familiarity with him. I mean, how could he help
you this Sunday or this Saturday.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
Sorry, I think it's just like you said, it's familiarity
with John, knowing the system, knowing his skill set, his strengths.
Those are important as you're trying to get ready on.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
A short week.
Speaker 8 (03:52):
Yeah, Kevin, will you plan on sitting anyone for this
finale to take a look at young players or aside
from the quarterback position? Are you approaching this just like
any other game.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yeah. If guys are able to play physically, they will play.
Speaker 8 (04:09):
And then just what do you obviously this has been
a very difficult and disappointing year for everyone involved. Just
what do you hope to learn about your team and
some of these guys, if there is anything to be
learned in this finale in Baltimore.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
I think all these games are important, Daryl, and obviously
we'll reflect in the season at the end of the season.
But I think the guys are understand this is a
great opportunity for a football team.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
It's a great opportunity to go compete.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
Yeah, forgive me if you already answered about Dave Nijoku,
But is he going to be able to play in
this game?
Speaker 2 (04:45):
Yeah, no, I haven't talked about Dave just yet. We'll see,
you know, put him in the group that we're going
to see how he does throughout this week.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
And when you once again I've known I've asked this before,
but when you look at your offense last week, Jerry
Judy was the only receiver that had one more than
one catch in the game, and it seems like whoever
is at quarterback, that's going to be a tough road
for him if you don't have David. And now obviously
(05:13):
you don't have said so how can you maybe get
some of these other guys a little bit more involved?
Speaker 3 (05:18):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (05:19):
I think for us, Mary Kay, we trust all those
guys at the wide receiver position, at the tight end position,
at the running back position. We trust all those guys
that can catch the ball in the pass game. Obviously,
Jerry got a lot of attention in this last one,
but we are looking to stay balanced, of course, but
(05:39):
I think it does come down to there's guys that
are on the field, we trust them.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
To go make plays.
Speaker 9 (05:44):
Kevin, if you do decide to play Sappy and DTR,
would you divide it by half?
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Working through all of that, Tony, Well, I'll kind of
update you guys towards the.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
End of the week.
Speaker 10 (05:58):
Kevin, this is obviously Rodney McLeod's last NFL game. What
can you say about him and what he's given to
you guys for the past two years?
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Well, whatever I say, he's gonna hear because he's sitting
about ten feet away from me, So you can you
owe me? Rod He's a pros pro. He's he's a
joy to coach. He brings it every single day. He's
a tremendous leader and all the superlatives that I say
about him as a football player. He's a better person.
(06:32):
You know, he's a new dad, So if he looks tired,
that's what that is. But great person, has played great
for us.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
So I'm a big rod mcclod fan.
Speaker 10 (06:43):
What are you hoping for for this? Obviously you want
to win, but what are you hoping for him for
this last one?
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Yeah, well I'll let him address that, but I'm hoping
for him to help our football team.
Speaker 11 (06:54):
Hey, coach, Happy New Year. I know you're saying you're
only focused on this week, and excuse awkwardness of this question,
but have you talked to ownership about your future and
whether you will be back next season?
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (07:07):
For me, Tom, I do have the singular focus. I
have the blinders on to this week. I have a
lot of conversations with ownership. They've been extremely supportive this season.
Obviously they share in the disappointment for where we are
right this minute, but really the focus is on this game.
Speaker 11 (07:23):
And since coach vrabel is no longer around, could you
just reflect on the time you had with him and
are we sure that he's going to interview for a
coaching position and not a middle linebacker spot.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Yeah, you know, coach Rabes is one of my favorites,
just a rock solid human. Was a great help to
this football team, a great help to me, a great
help to our scout team defense.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
He's gonna do great. You know.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Part of adjusting that his contract was letting him get
a head start on some of these interviews, and I
think a team will be lucky to have them.
Speaker 12 (07:56):
Hey, Kevin, I'm gonna squeeze in two quick ones. I
know that you said you're working through all the injuries,
but nobody to this point you can already rule out
for Saturday because of injuries, correct, Okay, thank you. And
then second, you know, as you do kind of you know,
put ball in the season on Saturday. You know, we've
asked you a lot about, you know, a lot of
the changes on the offensive coaching staff and obviously Kendorsey
(08:18):
coming as oftenive coordinator. In your eyes, what's the key
to having to having a successful kind of marriage of
you know, bringing in a lot of different coaches from
different systems so to speak, and having them all come
together to implement you know, one one vision.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Yeah, I mean it's not going to reflect on the
offense yet. I think those are the type of things
you talk about at the end of the season. But
that's our job as coaches to put a system together
that you know, we all believe in that we all
work to putting our.
Speaker 3 (08:48):
Guys in positions to succeed. Pretty simple.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
Gavin back to said, I know he've showed some stuff
before he got hurt. I'm just curious like what you
saw from him and how disappointing that you didn't get
to see more over these last this last month and
a half.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Yeah, certainly disappointed for said, uh, you know, it's was.
He was playing well there until he was injured, which
was a shame. And like we talked about, his opportunities
grew as as as his playtime increased and he was
out there.
Speaker 13 (09:18):
So he'll work real hard.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
I think he's certainly a young player that can can
continue to improve and that that'll be a big.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
Part of this offseason for him.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
But of course there's disappointment that he wasn't able to
continue that that strong work that he had when he
was playing wide receiver.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Jerry Judy reflected on his first year with the Cleveland Browns.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Yeah, Jerry.
Speaker 8 (09:39):
Kevin told us that he's not really sure what he's
going to do a quarterback just yet, said, you know,
probably going to be DTR and potentially Bailey ZAPPI just
wondering what type of effect that might have on your
preparations for Baltimore, considering it is a short week for.
Speaker 14 (09:56):
You, It's not already to have a big too much effect.
I mean, you know, I'm gonna still keep doing what
I need to do throughout the week, you know, and
prepare how I've been prepared all year, you know, and
just wait to game days see how everything and.
Speaker 8 (10:10):
Following the game Sunday, you were pretty hard on yourself
about a couple of plays you felt that you should
have made, just you know, looking back on it having
to watch the film or whatever. Do you feel that
same way and also to do you feel like you
taking that accountability?
Speaker 13 (10:28):
Uh?
Speaker 8 (10:29):
After that game kind of resonated a little bit, you know,
within the locker room, take and blame for something that
maybe not necessarily was completely your fault.
Speaker 15 (10:39):
I just think me personally, I just think it's the truth.
You know. I think that was like three balls that
I that I needed to catch.
Speaker 14 (10:46):
You know, it was big play moments that that would
have helped my team be in a better position. So,
you know, me personally, I feel like that was just
what it was and what it is.
Speaker 15 (10:57):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:57):
Yeah, Jerry, what can you tell us about what you've
seen so far in practice about Bailey? And I don't
know if you've been able to catch too many passes
from him because I know he's been running the scout
team and stuff like that. But what do you think
of him so far and what you think he might
be able to do if he gets in the game.
Speaker 14 (11:15):
He got a great arm I know what he done
in college, you know, broke all records. You know, I
think I've seen him play a little bit when he
was at the Patriots, so you know, uh, you know,
he a great passor you know, great reading the defense.
You know, it's gonna be excited to see my dad
get a get a little opportunity to play.
Speaker 6 (11:37):
Hey, Jerry, I love we'll get a chance to taught
to you again. I won't be there on Saturday. But
how would you reflect on your first year here in Cleveland?
Speaker 14 (11:47):
Uh, you know, a bittersweet for real. You know, you know,
the season ain't going high much of our plan. You know,
you know we will always want to win all of them,
want to be able to go to the player off,
you know, but unfortunately that's not been a situation here.
But overall, like you know, it been a little frustrated
(12:08):
not being able to win games how we want to.
But you know, I feel like they're gonna be better
times ahead for sure.
Speaker 6 (12:15):
But you personally, you first thousand yard season was just
success for you personally.
Speaker 14 (12:22):
Oh yeah, I mean, you know, first thousand y'all season,
you know, very blessed, you know, but yeah, you know,
it don't really matter if you an't win no games.
Speaker 10 (12:35):
Hey, Jerry. Kind of off of that, I asked you
before if you still saw the potential of what this
team could do, and you said you did. I'm just
wondering for you as you entered this last one of
the season, looking ahead to twenty twenty five, what are
some of the characteristics of this team that you feel
good about, that you feel has potential moving forward?
Speaker 15 (12:54):
Just the team. We just got a lot of dolls
and a lot of fight.
Speaker 14 (12:57):
You know, we got players in locker room that's not
gonna get give up no matter what the record is,
no matter this the last game of the season. You know,
we still got a game opportunity this week to go
out there.
Speaker 15 (13:07):
And get a win.
Speaker 14 (13:07):
You know, and I feel like everybody in the locker
room have that mindset. You know, it's still gonna work
hard to throughout the week just to be able to
come out out there on Saturday and get that w Did.
Speaker 10 (13:17):
It surprise you at all? You know, through all the
kind of adversity you guys face, that you guys were
able to band together. Didn't feel like things kind of
crumbled in other ways that other places it might have.
Speaker 14 (13:29):
Yeah, you know, you know, most teams, you know, struggling
the way we've been struggling this season, you know a
lot of players probably give up and quit, you know,
but these not the guys we got in the locker room.
You know, We're gonna just keep finding, keep moving forward
until we get to where we need to be at.
Speaker 9 (13:46):
Okay, Jerry, we know how frustrating this has been team wise,
but there are six receptions away from breaking the Browns
all time record for catches in the season. That's got
to be a goal at this part. What else is there?
Speaker 15 (13:59):
Right, I didn't even know that now that you told me.
Speaker 14 (14:02):
I mean, if it happened, it happened, you know, fortunately
it happens, would win.
Speaker 5 (14:08):
Hey, Jerry said, was put on I are today. So
it'll mean he misses the last six games with that concussion.
What did you see of him before the injury? And
I guess how disappointing that he wasn't able to build
upon that over this last stretch of the year.
Speaker 15 (14:24):
Uh, you know it.
Speaker 14 (14:25):
I know it's very disappointed for said, you know, and
especially for the offense. You know, it says a big
piece in the offense, you know, great playmaker, a big
physical receiver, that could catch the ball in the middle field.
Speaker 15 (14:39):
Deep.
Speaker 14 (14:39):
You know, he had a big, big two touch nine
games that helped us win that game. You know, I
know it's pretty frustrated not having them out there, but
you know, his health is more important than anything.
Speaker 5 (14:52):
And I don't know if you even know this, but
you guys are like eighteen point underdogs, which is pretty
big in the NFL. Does that add any I know
you guys are always looking for some type of motivation.
Does that make that list?
Speaker 15 (15:06):
You know? Eighteen port nine?
Speaker 14 (15:08):
Man, we already look at that for real, you know,
but there's another team, another opportunity to go out there
for a whining.
Speaker 15 (15:15):
You know we're gonna we're gonna fight to get that.
Speaker 4 (15:18):
Yeah, Jerry, last week again after the game, you mentioned
that you wish you could have made more plays for DTR.
So now he might get another chance to play in
this game. What have you seen in him? What do
you hope to be able to do for him in
this game?
Speaker 14 (15:33):
Well, you know, you know I seen the more he played,
the more confident he gets, you know, so I just
want to be able to make every catch that comes
my way, every catch that he throws to me. Uh
uh that's the biggest goal for real, you know, just
making everything easier for the quarterback.
Speaker 15 (15:52):
For it, It's made my plays when it comes to me.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Finally, safety Rodney McLeod previewed what will be the final
game of his NFL career.
Speaker 7 (15:58):
Hey, rod just a few days before the last game here,
just what are your emotions and feelings heading into this one?
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Honestly?
Speaker 16 (16:07):
For me, just staying present, just living in a moment,
to be honest, taking things one day at a time,
and really just cherishing every single day that I have left.
So it's hard for me to look ahead, but just
looking forward to and preparing one last week with my
guys in order to walk away with a victory. I
(16:30):
think that's I think that's what's most important to me
right now, is figuring out a way to win.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
Yeah, Rodney, in relation to Miles saying a couple of
Fridays ago that he would like for the Browns to
show him kind of a winning, contending blueprint for him
to want to be back, if you were the person
that were in charge of kind of laying out that
blueprint for him, what are some things that you see
(17:00):
on this football team. You've been around a long time.
You've played on some great teams. What do you see
on this football team?
Speaker 5 (17:05):
Uh?
Speaker 4 (17:06):
Would you put on that list to show Miles that
he ought to be back here next year?
Speaker 3 (17:12):
Oh?
Speaker 16 (17:12):
Well, good thing is I'm not those guys that make
those decisions, so, uh, you know I don't necessarily have
to do that. My job is to show up every
single day and help lead this team accordingly, and you know,
put forth the right amount of effort to try to
prepare to win every every game possible. I think, you know,
(17:35):
for Miles, of course, you know, he's been around here
for a very long time.
Speaker 13 (17:40):
You know, he's.
Speaker 16 (17:41):
A future Hall of Famer. He is brown and really
symbolizes everything that the city embodies, you know, through his work, ethic,
the way he shows up, and so I know he's
had some tough years and you know, he he's a winner.
I think you know, we all we all want to win.
(18:02):
So again, I'm not at liberty to decide on what
he wants, but I'm sure for him, he just wants
to again what he said, he wants to win, and
he wants to feel comfortable and and having that reassurance.
(18:22):
So whatever that looks like for him, I'm sure they'll
they'll deliver, make sure that he that he's pleased and
he stays here.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
Do you see good things ahead for the defense?
Speaker 14 (18:31):
Though?
Speaker 3 (18:32):
I do? I do.
Speaker 13 (18:34):
I think you know, it starts with the It starts
with the character of every man.
Speaker 16 (18:38):
And I think despite the the outcome that we've had
this year, being on the losing side of you've seen
great fight from start to finish, effort, guys showing up
every single day and join one another, celebrating each other,
and and so that is the the making.
Speaker 13 (19:01):
Of of something.
Speaker 16 (19:05):
Special that you can walk away from and say, we
have the right character. Guys, We've we haven't lost our identity,
our ways despite the losses, and you can move forward
until next year with that.
Speaker 6 (19:21):
Hey, Ronnie, what do you think you will miss most
about being an NFL player when you're when your career
does that here on Saturday?
Speaker 13 (19:31):
I think the locker room, the players.
Speaker 16 (19:34):
You know, you you always can just revert back to
a moment that you shared with guys that you've had
the pleasure of sharing the locker room with. And I think,
you know, for a lot of my fellow ogs, you know,
that's what they say they missed the most.
Speaker 13 (19:51):
And I think it will hold true for me. Just
those locker.
Speaker 16 (19:55):
Room moments, the things that people don't see, I think
is what I'll cherish the most close.
Speaker 13 (20:03):
To my heart.
Speaker 10 (20:04):
Hey, Ronnie, I know that this is not something that
happens just because it's your last game, that it's something
you've been doing over the past two years. But as
a vet heading out out of your NFL career, what
are some words of wisdom that you might be leaving
with some of the guys on the team, especially some
of these young guys who have had these opportunities kind
of thrust upon them this year.
Speaker 16 (20:26):
This for me is always being ready for your for
your moment and sees seize the moments that are presented
to you. I think I am a perfect example of that,
you know, coming in undrafted and not necessarily knowing if
tomorrow existed for me and just putting it all on
the line, but then presented with a moment for me
(20:51):
to showcase my abilities and show my worth. And you know,
I took full advantage of that. So you know that's
really that's really my my message to to to everyone,
and and honestly, just always have that that that chip
on your shoulder, you know, it's it's a tough league.
Speaker 13 (21:09):
It's a tough business.
Speaker 16 (21:11):
Uh knowing that, man, every single year, Uh, people want
your seat, and you know you gotta you gotta earn it,
you gotta keep it. Uh, So you gotta have that
mindset reinvent yourself every single year that you step footing
inside these these doors.
Speaker 13 (21:25):
And because it's a humbling league.
Speaker 16 (21:28):
So uh, those are just some words of wisdom and
uh that I can leave you know what a few guys.
Speaker 9 (21:35):
Uh Brannan, congratulations on your career. What do you think
the biggest differences are between this year's defense and last
year's defense?
Speaker 16 (21:47):
Uh, I mean, that's that's that's hard to say. I
think what we have uh pointed out over the weeks
over the course of the year is that, you know,
we we play pretty stout uh through our majority of
the game. But I think where we have missed the
(22:09):
mark this year is just a few lapses, uh that
we didn't have last year.
Speaker 13 (22:14):
And and that's very It's.
Speaker 16 (22:16):
Been a kind of a combination of of a of
a lot of things. But uh, those plays have have
really you know, stood out and impacted you know, our
play and and ultimately you know, have kind of resulted
in a difference between wins and losses for us. So
I would say just that inconsistency a little bit, uh
(22:38):
is what I have identified I think as to to why,
you know, we've had some of some setbacks in a
few areas that we would love man to to have
back of course, but uh, yeah, that's what I that's
what I would know.
Speaker 9 (22:55):
Do you intend to pursue a second career in media.
Speaker 13 (23:00):
Oh, we'll see, it's a possibility.
Speaker 16 (23:02):
I'm you know, doing certain things outside of the game
to put myself in position.
Speaker 13 (23:07):
But you know, we'll see if if if the.
Speaker 16 (23:09):
Other side of the of the cameras for me, the
other side the other side.
Speaker 17 (23:19):
Hey, Rod, kind of along those lines, I did want
to ask if you kind of knew what was next
for you, And I was just curious if there were
any like guys that you've leaned on to sort of
help you in that post football transition, because I know
sometimes that can be a little bit difficult for guys.
Speaker 16 (23:34):
Yeah, there are no like necessarily set plans. I think
for myself, just going to enjoy freedom then, will put
it that way, you know, having my time back and
being a full time husband dad, you know, son, brother,
all those things that I've kind of missed out on.
(23:55):
I think I'm just gonna enjoy being a regular person
for a little bit, and uh, you know, we'll see.
But there's there's plenty that I do outside the sport
already that will keep me busy.
Speaker 13 (24:09):
I'm alone.
Speaker 16 (24:10):
And then, yeah, I've had several conversations with guys who've
you know, now entered into that that next act. One
guy in particular, Malcolm Jenkins. You know, guy had a
pleasure of you know, being right beside in the locker
room winning a ton of games, and now he's you know,
made that transition. So he's somebody that you know, I
(24:31):
talked to very often about you know, his walk and
some of his difficulties and you know, and also what
he's doing and what's his wins. So so, yeah.
Speaker 17 (24:43):
Is there a particular piece of advice you can share
with us that that he's given you just out of curiosity?
Speaker 16 (24:48):
I think one thing A lot of us or yeah,
a lot of retired players struggle with schedule. You know,
you've been kind of handed a script in the schedule
for so long if you got into this routine and
how your years flow and how the season operates that
you know, now when you have a full calendar year
to to like operate out of, you know, you tend
(25:11):
to struggle.
Speaker 13 (25:12):
So you know, for him, he's just put.
Speaker 16 (25:14):
A lot of things in perspective for me, whether you
know he's he's now you know, made his his his
norm kind of identical to what a football schedule looked
like for him. But now, of course you're not necessarily
on the practice field, but there's.
Speaker 3 (25:35):
A way to still have like.
Speaker 16 (25:37):
That, that that correlation there in a way.
Speaker 13 (25:42):
So that was very helpful for me, just just just.
Speaker 16 (25:46):
Sticking to what you know and really just rearranging a
few things that are now align with whatever it is
that you're doing.
Speaker 3 (25:55):
You know.
Speaker 5 (25:56):
Now, hey right neat, So just how new dad are you?
You said what Kevin said, you're a new dad?
Speaker 16 (26:03):
Yeah, baby girl, Yeah seven months, seven months and yeah,
so I'm getting the hang of it, a fatherhood, enjoying it, loving,
loving every minute. Uh, definitely lost some some hours of sleep,
but uh, you know, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Speaker 5 (26:21):
And I know you said you're focused on this week,
but if you thought about what the emotions are gonna
be like Sunday when it's over or even during the game.
Speaker 13 (26:30):
I don't it was just gonna, it's gonna.
Speaker 16 (26:34):
Let let things just take its course and we'll we'll
see how how out all on folds.
Speaker 7 (26:42):
Just one more kind of reflecting question, Rod, So, I
know you've you've spent so much of your career with
Jim and playing for him. So just what has it
meant for you to be able to come back these
last couple of years and and get two more years
in his system and with him as your coordinator.
Speaker 13 (26:59):
Uh, It's been special.
Speaker 16 (27:02):
You know, when you have the luxury of being around uh,
a guy, a man like Jim, who's a great leader,
who's a winner.
Speaker 13 (27:14):
You know, those those opportunities don't come back around very often.
Speaker 16 (27:17):
And so you know, my stint there in Philly, we
won a ton of games, of course the super Bowl,
and when again, when it was presented for me to
to have that that that reconnection again with Jim, it
was a no brainer.
Speaker 13 (27:35):
And you know, he's what I love most about him.
Speaker 16 (27:38):
He's consistent, you know exactly you're going to get every
single day, and he allows us to be us, and
he really is invested in his guys.
Speaker 3 (27:49):
And it shows.
Speaker 16 (27:51):
So I'm forever grateful for everything that he's taught me
that I've been able to add to my game because
he's a hi football IQ, so there's a lot to learn.
And I enjoy all of his stories that he tells too,
you know, his countless amount probably heard almost every version
(28:12):
at this point, but they never get old, never get
tired of it, and man must respect for Jim.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
That'll do it for this episode of the From the
Podium Podcast. Be sure to like and subscribe to the
show wherever you get your podcasts. Keep it locked to
Cleveland Browns daily each weekday, and follow the Browns on
social media for more covered from the Cross Country Mortgage
Campus right here in Maria. I'm Gabe Klea. Thanks for
listening to the From the Podium Podcast.
Welcome to this New Year's Eve edition of From the Podium.
I'm Gabe Klea the Browns. We're back in Berea today
for what would be a typical Wednesday, as they'll play
the Baltimore Ravens this coming Saturday. On today's episode, you'll
hear from head coach Kevin Stefanski, wide receiver Jerry Judy,
and safety Rodney McLeod. We'll kick off the day with
head coach Kevin Stefanski, who gave an injury update following
(00:27):
the Browns Week seventeen game against the Dolphins.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
Short week, gotta get ready to roll here, so this
will really be our Wednesday for the football team, so
our really first day of preparation towards Baltimore. We'll have
a walk through today and then kick it back up
Thursday for tomorrow, which will be our Thursday for a practice,
so starting the work week division opponent, and then just
(00:51):
make sure we have a really good week of prep.
Get to know these guys again, haven't faced them since October,
so just going back to school on them now.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
But with that, I'll take any questions.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
Yeah, Kevin, just wondering who will start a quarterback for you?
On Saturday.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
Yeah, I'm gonna work through that this week. Mary kay.
Speaker 2 (01:13):
You know, there's certainly a chance that I could play
Bailey and Dorian in this game. Jamis is still working
through that shoulder injury, so I envisioned him being the
emergency quarterback in this game, and then there's potential to
play both guys.
Speaker 4 (01:29):
Okay, And would you think maybe Bailey might start it
and then Dorian could be available or how would you go?
Speaker 3 (01:36):
We're gonna let the get through the week to make
that determination.
Speaker 5 (01:39):
Hey, Kevin, I guess why would you want to see
potentially both guys playing that finale?
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (01:45):
I think we're just gonna work through the week to
make that final determination, Scott. But ultimately, you know, Bailey
has been a guy that got here. Haven't seen him
in a game just yet. Dorian is a young player
who's using all these reps to get better. So there's
a scenario where we do that, but I want to
make sure we get through the week before making a
final determination.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
And then we saw the news that said goat put
on I R And I know concussions are all different,
but like, is there a long term concern here? He
expected to be fine? You know going forward.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Yeah, you're right, Scott, These they're all different. You just
have to treat any injury with with the symptoms and
those type of things, and certainly we'll do that and
follow the protocols with concussions of course, but you know,
I'm confident that said, well, we'll be ready to roll.
Speaker 6 (02:30):
Two questions, Did I miss something on Jerome Ford? Do
you have an update on him?
Speaker 2 (02:35):
You didn't miss anything, Jeff, No update just yet. You know,
with this being Tuesday on the calendar, obviously we're going
to work through a lot of injuries throughout this week
and I put Jerome certainly in that group that we'll
see how he progresses based on how he feels.
Speaker 6 (02:54):
And then can you give you your assessment on the
way Dorian has played in these games?
Speaker 3 (03:01):
Yeah, I think so much.
Speaker 2 (03:03):
For me is as a team we have come up short,
and certainly there's things that I know I can do better,
we as a team can do better. Obviously, it's always
going to start with taking care of the football. Set's
something that we'll look to do a better job of
this week.
Speaker 7 (03:19):
Hey, Kevin, I know after the game it sounded like
Pierre had a head injury or was being evaluated, for one,
is he in the protocol? Officially he is? So with
John Kelly coming back, I mean obviously you guys have
some familiarity with him. I mean, how could he help
you this Sunday or this Saturday.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
Sorry, I think it's just like you said, it's familiarity
with John, knowing the system, knowing his skill set, his strengths.
Those are important as you're trying to get ready on.
Speaker 3 (03:50):
A short week.
Speaker 8 (03:52):
Yeah, Kevin, will you plan on sitting anyone for this
finale to take a look at young players or aside
from the quarterback position? Are you approaching this just like
any other game.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
Yeah. If guys are able to play physically, they will play.
Speaker 8 (04:09):
And then just what do you obviously this has been
a very difficult and disappointing year for everyone involved. Just
what do you hope to learn about your team and
some of these guys, if there is anything to be
learned in this finale in Baltimore.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
I think all these games are important, Daryl, and obviously
we'll reflect in the season at the end of the season.
But I think the guys are understand this is a
great opportunity for a football team.
Speaker 3 (04:36):
It's a great opportunity to go compete.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
Yeah, forgive me if you already answered about Dave Nijoku,
But is he going to be able to play in
this game?
Speaker 2 (04:45):
Yeah, no, I haven't talked about Dave just yet. We'll see,
you know, put him in the group that we're going
to see how he does throughout this week.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
And when you once again I've known I've asked this before,
but when you look at your offense last week, Jerry
Judy was the only receiver that had one more than
one catch in the game, and it seems like whoever
is at quarterback, that's going to be a tough road
for him if you don't have David. And now obviously
(05:13):
you don't have said so how can you maybe get
some of these other guys a little bit more involved?
Speaker 3 (05:18):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (05:19):
I think for us, Mary Kay, we trust all those
guys at the wide receiver position, at the tight end position,
at the running back position. We trust all those guys
that can catch the ball in the pass game. Obviously,
Jerry got a lot of attention in this last one,
but we are looking to stay balanced, of course, but
(05:39):
I think it does come down to there's guys that
are on the field, we trust them.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
To go make plays.
Speaker 9 (05:44):
Kevin, if you do decide to play Sappy and DTR,
would you divide it by half?
Speaker 2 (05:52):
Working through all of that, Tony, Well, I'll kind of
update you guys towards the.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
End of the week.
Speaker 10 (05:58):
Kevin, this is obviously Rodney McLeod's last NFL game. What
can you say about him and what he's given to
you guys for the past two years?
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Well, whatever I say, he's gonna hear because he's sitting
about ten feet away from me, So you can you
owe me? Rod He's a pros pro. He's he's a
joy to coach. He brings it every single day. He's
a tremendous leader and all the superlatives that I say
about him as a football player. He's a better person.
(06:32):
You know, he's a new dad, So if he looks tired,
that's what that is. But great person, has played great
for us.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
So I'm a big rod mcclod fan.
Speaker 10 (06:43):
What are you hoping for for this? Obviously you want
to win, but what are you hoping for him for
this last one?
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Yeah, well I'll let him address that, but I'm hoping
for him to help our football team.
Speaker 11 (06:54):
Hey, coach, Happy New Year. I know you're saying you're
only focused on this week, and excuse awkwardness of this question,
but have you talked to ownership about your future and
whether you will be back next season?
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (07:07):
For me, Tom, I do have the singular focus. I
have the blinders on to this week. I have a
lot of conversations with ownership. They've been extremely supportive this season.
Obviously they share in the disappointment for where we are
right this minute, but really the focus is on this game.
Speaker 11 (07:23):
And since coach vrabel is no longer around, could you
just reflect on the time you had with him and
are we sure that he's going to interview for a
coaching position and not a middle linebacker spot.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Yeah, you know, coach Rabes is one of my favorites,
just a rock solid human. Was a great help to
this football team, a great help to me, a great
help to our scout team defense.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
He's gonna do great. You know.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
Part of adjusting that his contract was letting him get
a head start on some of these interviews, and I
think a team will be lucky to have them.
Speaker 12 (07:56):
Hey, Kevin, I'm gonna squeeze in two quick ones. I
know that you said you're working through all the injuries,
but nobody to this point you can already rule out
for Saturday because of injuries, correct, Okay, thank you. And
then second, you know, as you do kind of you know,
put ball in the season on Saturday. You know, we've
asked you a lot about, you know, a lot of
the changes on the offensive coaching staff and obviously Kendorsey
(08:18):
coming as oftenive coordinator. In your eyes, what's the key
to having to having a successful kind of marriage of
you know, bringing in a lot of different coaches from
different systems so to speak, and having them all come
together to implement you know, one one vision.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Yeah, I mean it's not going to reflect on the
offense yet. I think those are the type of things
you talk about at the end of the season. But
that's our job as coaches to put a system together
that you know, we all believe in that we all
work to putting our.
Speaker 3 (08:48):
Guys in positions to succeed. Pretty simple.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
Gavin back to said, I know he've showed some stuff
before he got hurt. I'm just curious like what you
saw from him and how disappointing that you didn't get
to see more over these last this last month and
a half.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Yeah, certainly disappointed for said, uh, you know, it's was.
He was playing well there until he was injured, which
was a shame. And like we talked about, his opportunities
grew as as as his playtime increased and he was
out there.
Speaker 13 (09:18):
So he'll work real hard.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
I think he's certainly a young player that can can
continue to improve and that that'll be a big.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
Part of this offseason for him.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
But of course there's disappointment that he wasn't able to
continue that that strong work that he had when he
was playing wide receiver.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Jerry Judy reflected on his first year with the Cleveland Browns.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Yeah, Jerry.
Speaker 8 (09:39):
Kevin told us that he's not really sure what he's
going to do a quarterback just yet, said, you know,
probably going to be DTR and potentially Bailey ZAPPI just
wondering what type of effect that might have on your
preparations for Baltimore, considering it is a short week for.
Speaker 14 (09:56):
You, It's not already to have a big too much effect.
I mean, you know, I'm gonna still keep doing what
I need to do throughout the week, you know, and
prepare how I've been prepared all year, you know, and
just wait to game days see how everything and.
Speaker 8 (10:10):
Following the game Sunday, you were pretty hard on yourself
about a couple of plays you felt that you should
have made, just you know, looking back on it having
to watch the film or whatever. Do you feel that
same way and also to do you feel like you
taking that accountability?
Speaker 13 (10:28):
Uh?
Speaker 8 (10:29):
After that game kind of resonated a little bit, you know,
within the locker room, take and blame for something that
maybe not necessarily was completely your fault.
Speaker 15 (10:39):
I just think me personally, I just think it's the truth.
You know. I think that was like three balls that
I that I needed to catch.
Speaker 14 (10:46):
You know, it was big play moments that that would
have helped my team be in a better position. So,
you know, me personally, I feel like that was just
what it was and what it is.
Speaker 15 (10:57):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (10:57):
Yeah, Jerry, what can you tell us about what you've
seen so far in practice about Bailey? And I don't
know if you've been able to catch too many passes
from him because I know he's been running the scout
team and stuff like that. But what do you think
of him so far and what you think he might
be able to do if he gets in the game.
Speaker 14 (11:15):
He got a great arm I know what he done
in college, you know, broke all records. You know, I
think I've seen him play a little bit when he
was at the Patriots, so you know, uh, you know,
he a great passor you know, great reading the defense.
You know, it's gonna be excited to see my dad
get a get a little opportunity to play.
Speaker 6 (11:37):
Hey, Jerry, I love we'll get a chance to taught
to you again. I won't be there on Saturday. But
how would you reflect on your first year here in Cleveland?
Speaker 14 (11:47):
Uh, you know, a bittersweet for real. You know, you know,
the season ain't going high much of our plan. You know,
you know we will always want to win all of them,
want to be able to go to the player off,
you know, but unfortunately that's not been a situation here.
But overall, like you know, it been a little frustrated
(12:08):
not being able to win games how we want to.
But you know, I feel like they're gonna be better
times ahead for sure.
Speaker 6 (12:15):
But you personally, you first thousand yard season was just
success for you personally.
Speaker 14 (12:22):
Oh yeah, I mean, you know, first thousand y'all season,
you know, very blessed, you know, but yeah, you know,
it don't really matter if you an't win no games.
Speaker 10 (12:35):
Hey, Jerry. Kind of off of that, I asked you
before if you still saw the potential of what this
team could do, and you said you did. I'm just
wondering for you as you entered this last one of
the season, looking ahead to twenty twenty five, what are
some of the characteristics of this team that you feel
good about, that you feel has potential moving forward?
Speaker 15 (12:54):
Just the team. We just got a lot of dolls
and a lot of fight.
Speaker 14 (12:57):
You know, we got players in locker room that's not
gonna get give up no matter what the record is,
no matter this the last game of the season. You know,
we still got a game opportunity this week to go
out there.
Speaker 15 (13:07):
And get a win.
Speaker 14 (13:07):
You know, and I feel like everybody in the locker
room have that mindset. You know, it's still gonna work
hard to throughout the week just to be able to
come out out there on Saturday and get that w Did.
Speaker 10 (13:17):
It surprise you at all? You know, through all the
kind of adversity you guys face, that you guys were
able to band together. Didn't feel like things kind of
crumbled in other ways that other places it might have.
Speaker 14 (13:29):
Yeah, you know, you know, most teams, you know, struggling
the way we've been struggling this season, you know a
lot of players probably give up and quit, you know,
but these not the guys we got in the locker room.
You know, We're gonna just keep finding, keep moving forward
until we get to where we need to be at.
Speaker 9 (13:46):
Okay, Jerry, we know how frustrating this has been team wise,
but there are six receptions away from breaking the Browns
all time record for catches in the season. That's got
to be a goal at this part. What else is there?
Speaker 15 (13:59):
Right, I didn't even know that now that you told me.
Speaker 14 (14:02):
I mean, if it happened, it happened, you know, fortunately
it happens, would win.
Speaker 5 (14:08):
Hey, Jerry said, was put on I are today. So
it'll mean he misses the last six games with that concussion.
What did you see of him before the injury? And
I guess how disappointing that he wasn't able to build
upon that over this last stretch of the year.
Speaker 15 (14:24):
Uh, you know it.
Speaker 14 (14:25):
I know it's very disappointed for said, you know, and
especially for the offense. You know, it says a big
piece in the offense, you know, great playmaker, a big
physical receiver, that could catch the ball in the middle field.
Speaker 15 (14:39):
Deep.
Speaker 14 (14:39):
You know, he had a big, big two touch nine
games that helped us win that game. You know, I
know it's pretty frustrated not having them out there, but
you know, his health is more important than anything.
Speaker 5 (14:52):
And I don't know if you even know this, but
you guys are like eighteen point underdogs, which is pretty
big in the NFL. Does that add any I know
you guys are always looking for some type of motivation.
Does that make that list?
Speaker 15 (15:06):
You know? Eighteen port nine?
Speaker 14 (15:08):
Man, we already look at that for real, you know,
but there's another team, another opportunity to go out there
for a whining.
Speaker 15 (15:15):
You know we're gonna we're gonna fight to get that.
Speaker 4 (15:18):
Yeah, Jerry, last week again after the game, you mentioned
that you wish you could have made more plays for DTR.
So now he might get another chance to play in
this game. What have you seen in him? What do
you hope to be able to do for him in
this game?
Speaker 14 (15:33):
Well, you know, you know I seen the more he played,
the more confident he gets, you know, so I just
want to be able to make every catch that comes
my way, every catch that he throws to me. Uh
uh that's the biggest goal for real, you know, just
making everything easier for the quarterback.
Speaker 15 (15:52):
For it, It's made my plays when it comes to me.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Finally, safety Rodney McLeod previewed what will be the final
game of his NFL career.
Speaker 7 (15:58):
Hey, rod just a few days before the last game here,
just what are your emotions and feelings heading into this one?
Speaker 3 (16:06):
Honestly?
Speaker 16 (16:07):
For me, just staying present, just living in a moment,
to be honest, taking things one day at a time,
and really just cherishing every single day that I have left.
So it's hard for me to look ahead, but just
looking forward to and preparing one last week with my
guys in order to walk away with a victory. I
(16:30):
think that's I think that's what's most important to me
right now, is figuring out a way to win.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
Yeah, Rodney, in relation to Miles saying a couple of
Fridays ago that he would like for the Browns to
show him kind of a winning, contending blueprint for him
to want to be back, if you were the person
that were in charge of kind of laying out that
blueprint for him, what are some things that you see
(17:00):
on this football team. You've been around a long time.
You've played on some great teams. What do you see
on this football team?
Speaker 5 (17:05):
Uh?
Speaker 4 (17:06):
Would you put on that list to show Miles that
he ought to be back here next year?
Speaker 3 (17:12):
Oh?
Speaker 16 (17:12):
Well, good thing is I'm not those guys that make
those decisions, so, uh, you know I don't necessarily have
to do that. My job is to show up every
single day and help lead this team accordingly, and you know,
put forth the right amount of effort to try to
prepare to win every every game possible. I think, you know,
(17:35):
for Miles, of course, you know, he's been around here
for a very long time.
Speaker 13 (17:40):
You know, he's.
Speaker 16 (17:41):
A future Hall of Famer. He is brown and really
symbolizes everything that the city embodies, you know, through his work, ethic,
the way he shows up, and so I know he's
had some tough years and you know, he he's a winner.
I think you know, we all we all want to win.
(18:02):
So again, I'm not at liberty to decide on what
he wants, but I'm sure for him, he just wants
to again what he said, he wants to win, and
he wants to feel comfortable and and having that reassurance.
(18:22):
So whatever that looks like for him, I'm sure they'll
they'll deliver, make sure that he that he's pleased and
he stays here.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
Do you see good things ahead for the defense?
Speaker 14 (18:31):
Though?
Speaker 3 (18:32):
I do? I do.
Speaker 13 (18:34):
I think you know, it starts with the It starts
with the character of every man.
Speaker 16 (18:38):
And I think despite the the outcome that we've had
this year, being on the losing side of you've seen
great fight from start to finish, effort, guys showing up
every single day and join one another, celebrating each other,
and and so that is the the making.
Speaker 13 (19:01):
Of of something.
Speaker 16 (19:05):
Special that you can walk away from and say, we
have the right character. Guys, We've we haven't lost our identity,
our ways despite the losses, and you can move forward
until next year with that.
Speaker 6 (19:21):
Hey, Ronnie, what do you think you will miss most
about being an NFL player when you're when your career
does that here on Saturday?
Speaker 13 (19:31):
I think the locker room, the players.
Speaker 16 (19:34):
You know, you you always can just revert back to
a moment that you shared with guys that you've had
the pleasure of sharing the locker room with. And I think,
you know, for a lot of my fellow ogs, you know,
that's what they say they missed the most.
Speaker 13 (19:51):
And I think it will hold true for me. Just
those locker.
Speaker 16 (19:55):
Room moments, the things that people don't see, I think
is what I'll cherish the most close.
Speaker 13 (20:03):
To my heart.
Speaker 10 (20:04):
Hey, Ronnie, I know that this is not something that
happens just because it's your last game, that it's something
you've been doing over the past two years. But as
a vet heading out out of your NFL career, what
are some words of wisdom that you might be leaving
with some of the guys on the team, especially some
of these young guys who have had these opportunities kind
of thrust upon them this year.
Speaker 16 (20:26):
This for me is always being ready for your for
your moment and sees seize the moments that are presented
to you. I think I am a perfect example of that,
you know, coming in undrafted and not necessarily knowing if
tomorrow existed for me and just putting it all on
the line, but then presented with a moment for me
(20:51):
to showcase my abilities and show my worth. And you know,
I took full advantage of that. So you know that's
really that's really my my message to to to everyone,
and and honestly, just always have that that that chip
on your shoulder, you know, it's it's a tough league.
Speaker 13 (21:09):
It's a tough business.
Speaker 16 (21:11):
Uh knowing that, man, every single year, Uh, people want
your seat, and you know you gotta you gotta earn it,
you gotta keep it. Uh, So you gotta have that
mindset reinvent yourself every single year that you step footing
inside these these doors.
Speaker 13 (21:25):
And because it's a humbling league.
Speaker 16 (21:28):
So uh, those are just some words of wisdom and
uh that I can leave you know what a few guys.
Speaker 9 (21:35):
Uh Brannan, congratulations on your career. What do you think
the biggest differences are between this year's defense and last
year's defense?
Speaker 16 (21:47):
Uh, I mean, that's that's that's hard to say. I
think what we have uh pointed out over the weeks
over the course of the year is that, you know,
we we play pretty stout uh through our majority of
the game. But I think where we have missed the
(22:09):
mark this year is just a few lapses, uh that
we didn't have last year.
Speaker 13 (22:14):
And and that's very It's.
Speaker 16 (22:16):
Been a kind of a combination of of a of
a lot of things. But uh, those plays have have
really you know, stood out and impacted you know, our
play and and ultimately you know, have kind of resulted
in a difference between wins and losses for us. So
I would say just that inconsistency a little bit, uh
(22:38):
is what I have identified I think as to to why,
you know, we've had some of some setbacks in a
few areas that we would love man to to have
back of course, but uh, yeah, that's what I that's
what I would know.
Speaker 9 (22:55):
Do you intend to pursue a second career in media.
Speaker 13 (23:00):
Oh, we'll see, it's a possibility.
Speaker 16 (23:02):
I'm you know, doing certain things outside of the game
to put myself in position.
Speaker 13 (23:07):
But you know, we'll see if if if the.
Speaker 16 (23:09):
Other side of the of the cameras for me, the
other side the other side.
Speaker 17 (23:19):
Hey, Rod, kind of along those lines, I did want
to ask if you kind of knew what was next
for you, And I was just curious if there were
any like guys that you've leaned on to sort of
help you in that post football transition, because I know
sometimes that can be a little bit difficult for guys.
Speaker 16 (23:34):
Yeah, there are no like necessarily set plans. I think
for myself, just going to enjoy freedom then, will put
it that way, you know, having my time back and
being a full time husband dad, you know, son, brother,
all those things that I've kind of missed out on.
(23:55):
I think I'm just gonna enjoy being a regular person
for a little bit, and uh, you know, we'll see.
But there's there's plenty that I do outside the sport
already that will keep me busy.
Speaker 13 (24:09):
I'm alone.
Speaker 16 (24:10):
And then, yeah, I've had several conversations with guys who've
you know, now entered into that that next act. One
guy in particular, Malcolm Jenkins. You know, guy had a
pleasure of you know, being right beside in the locker
room winning a ton of games, and now he's you know,
made that transition. So he's somebody that you know, I
(24:31):
talked to very often about you know, his walk and
some of his difficulties and you know, and also what
he's doing and what's his wins. So so, yeah.
Speaker 17 (24:43):
Is there a particular piece of advice you can share
with us that that he's given you just out of curiosity?
Speaker 16 (24:48):
I think one thing A lot of us or yeah,
a lot of retired players struggle with schedule. You know,
you've been kind of handed a script in the schedule
for so long if you got into this routine and
how your years flow and how the season operates that
you know, now when you have a full calendar year
to to like operate out of, you know, you tend
(25:11):
to struggle.
Speaker 13 (25:12):
So you know, for him, he's just put.
Speaker 16 (25:14):
A lot of things in perspective for me, whether you
know he's he's now you know, made his his his
norm kind of identical to what a football schedule looked
like for him. But now, of course you're not necessarily
on the practice field, but there's.
Speaker 3 (25:35):
A way to still have like.
Speaker 16 (25:37):
That, that that correlation there in a way.
Speaker 13 (25:42):
So that was very helpful for me, just just just.
Speaker 16 (25:46):
Sticking to what you know and really just rearranging a
few things that are now align with whatever it is
that you're doing.
Speaker 3 (25:55):
You know.
Speaker 5 (25:56):
Now, hey right neat, So just how new dad are you?
You said what Kevin said, you're a new dad?
Speaker 16 (26:03):
Yeah, baby girl, Yeah seven months, seven months and yeah,
so I'm getting the hang of it, a fatherhood, enjoying it, loving,
loving every minute. Uh, definitely lost some some hours of sleep,
but uh, you know, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Speaker 5 (26:21):
And I know you said you're focused on this week,
but if you thought about what the emotions are gonna
be like Sunday when it's over or even during the game.
Speaker 13 (26:30):
I don't it was just gonna, it's gonna.
Speaker 16 (26:34):
Let let things just take its course and we'll we'll
see how how out all on folds.
Speaker 7 (26:42):
Just one more kind of reflecting question, Rod, So, I
know you've you've spent so much of your career with
Jim and playing for him. So just what has it
meant for you to be able to come back these
last couple of years and and get two more years
in his system and with him as your coordinator.
Speaker 13 (26:59):
Uh, It's been special.
Speaker 16 (27:02):
You know, when you have the luxury of being around uh,
a guy, a man like Jim, who's a great leader,
who's a winner.
Speaker 13 (27:14):
You know, those those opportunities don't come back around very often.
Speaker 16 (27:17):
And so you know, my stint there in Philly, we
won a ton of games, of course the super Bowl,
and when again, when it was presented for me to
to have that that that reconnection again with Jim, it
was a no brainer.
Speaker 13 (27:35):
And you know, he's what I love most about him.
Speaker 16 (27:38):
He's consistent, you know exactly you're going to get every
single day, and he allows us to be us, and
he really is invested in his guys.
Speaker 3 (27:49):
And it shows.
Speaker 16 (27:51):
So I'm forever grateful for everything that he's taught me
that I've been able to add to my game because
he's a hi football IQ, so there's a lot to learn.
And I enjoy all of his stories that he tells too,
you know, his countless amount probably heard almost every version
(28:12):
at this point, but they never get old, never get
tired of it, and man must respect for Jim.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
That'll do it for this episode of the From the
Podium Podcast. Be sure to like and subscribe to the
show wherever you get your podcasts. Keep it locked to
Cleveland Browns daily each weekday, and follow the Browns on
social media for more covered from the Cross Country Mortgage
Campus right here in Maria. I'm Gabe Klea. Thanks for
listening to the From the Podium Podcast.
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